Sen. Bob Onder, a St. Charles Republican, said the proposed constitutional amendment was “a shield, not a sword.”
Photo courtesy of Missouri Senate Communications

JEFFERSON CITY

After a 39-hour filibuster by Missouri Democrats, Republicans turned to a sporadically-used procedural maneuver to cut off debate and force a vote on legislation granting greater protections in the state Constitution for some business owners and individuals opposed to gay marriage.

After debate was cut off, the legislation was granted initial approval on a 23-9 vote. It still must be approved by the Senate one more time before going to the Missouri House. If it clears the House it would go on the statewide ballot later this year.

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“We are 23 in the majority. They are eight in the minority,” Richard said. “At some point we have to move on and to the business of Missouri.”

Democrats opposed the measure so vociferously because it “renders some people subhuman, second class citizens.” said Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a University City Democrat.

The bill is one of many that have introduced in state legislatures around the country since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June legalizing same-sex marriage.

The Missouri Senate filibuster garnered national attention, including tweets of support from Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz offered his support to GOP senators in a tweet early Wednesday morning.

The maneuver used to cut off debate Wednesday is called “moving the previous question.” With a simple majority vote, a filibuster can be ended and a vote can be forced.

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